MEC&F Expert Engineers : The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing caused the crash of PILATUS PC12 - 45, registration: N811VM in Crownpoint, NM

Saturday, July 18, 2015

The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing caused the crash of PILATUS PC12 - 45, registration: N811VM in Crownpoint, NM

NTSB Identification: GAA15CA080
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, May 12, 2015 in Crownpoint, NM
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/08/2015
Aircraft: PILATUS PC12 - 45, registration: N811VM
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.
 
NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot stated that after the airplane crossed the runway threshold, he reduced engine power to idle and the gear warning horn sounded. The pilot reported that he misinterpreted the gear warning horn for the ground proximity warning system and the airplane landed with the gear retracted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the spar carry-through structure and left spar attachment. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
  • The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.